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Hurricane PTSD: The Mental and Emotional Toll After Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton, now being called “Hurricane PTSD,” left behind not only physical damage but also deep emotional wounds. With 92 people still missing, survivors are dealing with anxiety, fear, and PTSD. Learn about the community’s struggle to heal after this devastating storm.
A destroyed building in Bat Cave, N.C., on Oct. 8.Mario Tama / Getty Images

Hurricane Milton, which recently ravaged parts of North Carolina, is now being referred to by some as “Hurricane PTSD”—not just for the physical damage it caused, but for the lasting emotional scars it left behind.

The storm has displaced families, destroyed homes, and left many without a sense of security. With 92 people still missing following the devastating event, the emotional toll is growing by the day.

The Aftermath and Emotional Struggles

The physical effects of Hurricane Milton were immediately visible—flooded streets, damaged infrastructure, and countless destroyed homes.

But what remains less visible is the emotional impact on those who lived through it.

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For many, hurricanes bring more than just strong winds and flooding—they bring anxiety, uncertainty, and lasting mental trauma.

Survivors of Hurricane Milton are grappling with fear and PTSD as they try to piece their lives back together.

Children have been especially vulnerable. With schools closed and routines disrupted, they’ve lost their sense of normalcy.

Many are now dealing with fears that the next storm could be just around the corner.

Parents, meanwhile, are trying to manage their own stress while also helping their children feel safe.

This is not an easy task when the future still feels uncertain.

The Missing and the Emotional Burden

The fact that 92 individuals remain missing adds another layer of emotional strain on the community.

Families are left wondering if their loved ones will be found, while rescue workers continue their difficult search.

This emotional burden weighs heavily on the community, as uncertainty about the fate of missing friends and relatives can be one of the most challenging aspects to endure.

The North Carolina Governor has called for all hands on deck to locate those who are missing, and the community has come together in support.

Still, for many, the waiting is agonizing, and the unknown adds to the trauma.

Mental Health Crisis After the Storm

In the aftermath of a hurricane like Milton, mental health support becomes as crucial as food, water, and shelter.

Many survivors are experiencing anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD. Mental health professionals are urging anyone impacted to seek help, but resources are limited.

Local clinics are overwhelmed, and there aren’t enough mental health professionals to meet the need.

Survivors describe feeling constantly on edge—some can’t sleep, while others relive the trauma every time it rains.

These feelings are normal after such a harrowing experience, but without support, they can become a long-term mental health crisis.

What Needs to Be Done?

Experts argue that addressing the mental health effects of natural disasters needs to become a priority.

Counseling services should be readily available, and there should be more support for both children and adults as they navigate the emotional aftermath.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been called upon to increase mental health services in disaster relief programs, recognizing that rebuilding isn’t just about homes and infrastructure—it’s also about emotional healing.

A Community Coming Together

Despite the trauma, there have been moments of hope. Communities have come together to support one another, offering shelter, food, and comfort to those in need.

Volunteers from across the country are helping rebuild homes and clear debris, and neighbors are doing their best to uplift each other during this difficult time.

While the road to recovery is long, the resilience of the community is evident.

The emotional scars may take time to heal, but with support and solidarity, there is hope for brighter days ahead.

Hurricane Milton, or “Hurricane PTSD” as it’s now being called, has left more than just physical destruction in its wake—it has also left a community in need of emotional and mental support.

As families search for missing loved ones and try to rebuild their lives, the focus must also be on providing mental health care to help them recover fully.

Natural disasters may destroy buildings, but they can also damage the human spirit.

It is crucial that, as part of the rebuilding process, we address both the physical and emotional needs of those impacted.

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